An air steward who stole his friend's car and drove it drunk to a police station has broken new legal ground by being sentenced live from his living room.
Jarryd Clifford was given special dispensation to turn his home in Wales into an annexe to Perth Sheriff Court where his case was scheduled to be heard.
It is understood Clifford - who admitted he had been "an absolute fool" to drive drunk to a hospital and police station - is the first person to be sentenced at home since new guidance was issued at the start of this week.
Clifford was allowed to use a video link from his Cardiff home to prevent him undertaking a 900-mile round trip during the pandemic and because he had informed the court of financial difficulties in paying for travel.
Before the court formally started an official dialled up Clifford at his home and he appeared on screen and confirmed he would be ready to appear when his case called.
When the sheriff arrived on the bench, he was called again and asked to confirm his name and confirm that he did not have a lawyer representing him during the hearing.
Clifford, 31 , whose previous address in Pitlochry was listed on court papers, admitted stealing a Renault Clio from the Perthshire town's Bonnethill Road.
He also admitted driving while he was more than four times over the limit and when he did not have insurance or a driving licence on 25 June last year.
Fiscal depute Andrew Harding said: "A second key for the car was in the possession of the accused's partner.
"At 11 am the accused had been consuming alcohol alone.
"He managed to hurt himself by hitting a pane of glass and causing a laceration to his finger.
"He contacted 111 and was advised to attend a medical practice for treatment.
"The accused used the key which had been left in the property.
"The car was parked outside the owner's address and he then drove to the community hospital in Pitlochry.
"He was advised to attend A & E or go to the police station so he drove to the police station and parked in the car park. An ambulance was requested and they treated his hand.
"While that was being done checks were carried out and he was asked if he was the owner of the vehicle. He said it was his partner's and that he was not insured and only had a South African licence.
"A breath test was carried out and gave a positive result. Specimens of urine were taken because of Covid measures. The owner of the vehicle confirmed he had not given the accused consent."
Clifford told the court: "There's no justification for what I have done. It was obviously a stupid, stupid mistake and regardless of the outcome I will have a criminal record.
"That's going to affect my career potential, working for airlines. It has been really distressing for myself and disappointing for my family.
"If I could take it back I would have phoned 999 and got an ambulance to come to the house instead of driving to the police station like an absolute fool."
Sheriff Gillian Wade told Clifford: "I take into account that you have pled guilty at the first opportunity. You lead an otherwise pro-social life and it appears very out of character.
"It will affect your career prospects, particularly in the airline industry. These are the consequences that follow from your behaviour.
"It was a very high reading."
She banned him from driving for two years and ordered him to carry out 200 hours unpaid work in the community.
A senior court source said: "I have never seen a criminal case dealt with like that before. It worked well enough in this case, but there are obvious limitations to it.
"For example, if the case was any more serious you wouldn't try it because the sheriff would not be able to impose a prison sentence."
A Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service spokesman said: "The court has advised that the accused was sentenced from his home via video link."
A new set of pandemic inspired court rules was issued on Monday and said: "This guidance will have effect from 17 May 2021 until further notice and will be subject to regular review.
"The purpose of this guidance is to set out arrangements for the disposal of proceedings in the Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Courts...during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, following a review of the restricted operating arrangements on 11 May 2021.
"All sentencing diets will proceed and the accused will be required to attend, unless otherwise advised by the court."
